‘She was pure joy’: School mourns ex-pupil Paige Bell slain on Yacht in Bahamas

Cape Town – The Hillcrest High School community in KwaZulu-Natal is mourning the tragic and violent death of former pupil Paige Bell, a 20-year-old South African stewardess who was found murdered aboard a luxury yacht docked in the Bahamas.

Bell, who matriculated from Hillcrest High in 2022, was working on the yacht Far From It when her body was discovered on July 3 in the vessel’s engine room. According to international media reports, including the Daily Mail, she had sustained slash wounds to the neck and showed signs of a possible sexual assault.

Bahamas authorities have charged a fellow crew member, Brigido Munoz, a 39-year-old Mexican national, with her murder. He was reportedly found near the scene with self-inflicted injuries, suggesting an attempted suicide.

A fellow crew member has been charged with murder in the death of 20-year-old Paige Bell. 39-year-old Brigido Munoz appeared in court in Nassau charged with Murder. He is accused of cutting the throat of the stewardess during a Bahamas trip.

The court heard that Bell was found… pic.twitter.com/T44BaSroK9

— N’ Cuffs (@NCuffs1) July 10, 2025

Back in South Africa, Hillcrest High described Paige as “an incredibly special young lady” and “the happiest, most bubbly person”, in a public statement on Facebook.

“We know that her untimely and tragic death is a great loss to all who knew Paige, and beyond devastating to her parents and family,” the school said.

Bell’s parents, Michelle and John Bell, have flown to the Bahamas to identify her body and seek justice. Her sister, Chelsey Jacobs, has spoken out about the family’s heartbreak and the emotional and financial strain of legal proceedings abroad.

“She would have celebrated her 21st birthday on July 14th,” the family said in a statement, according to  Daily Express.

“In honour of Paige, her mother has asked that we all eat red velvet cake (her favourite) on that day and share a photo in remembrance of the beautiful soul she was.”

Friends and colleagues described Paige as more than a teammate — she was family.

“Her radiant spirit, infectious laughter, and boundless compassion made an unforgettable impact on everyone lucky enough to know her,” read a tribute.

“Whether it was long days at sea or quiet moments under the stars, she brought light and warmth wherever she went.”

A GoFundMe campaign launched in her memory has raised over $50 377 (R900 000) to support the family with repatriation and legal costs. Hillcrest High has urged its broader school community to continue donating and sharing the appeal as the investigation continues.

Paige’s death remains under investigation by Bahamian authorities.